Alissa Pierce

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However, not all distressed leather couch sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire!

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with any label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely l shaped leather couch pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater Leather sofa. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern leather couch, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.